Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.

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/ Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

PKD with High Potassium

sbrewer
sbrewer

Today is Monday, we have an appointment on Thursday to discuss where my husband is with his PKD. So this past Friday he had to draw his blood so we can talk about it during our upcoming appointment. Well, they felt the need to call today with his potassium results. They were asking how is feeling, and they were very worried. His potassium level is a 6.9. Severe levels are at 7. They were acting like he should be in the hospital, but he was telling them he felt okay. In hindsight, he has been extra tired and having minimal chest pains. I accidentally scared him so bad yesterday, he thought he was almost going to have a heart attack. He was saying his chest was hurting. Online, I found that severe potassium levels can indicate that he may be in the later stages of PKD. I know we will find out much more in three days at the appointment, but I was curious if any of you could tell me about your situations regarding high potassium with PKD, if you do in fact know anything about it?


Thank you from a very worried wife.

enigmaticloner
enigmaticloner
Never had a situation with high potassium is can't help with that regard but I was told that mine is actually low when I saw my nephrologist. He recommended eating more fruits and what not. I'm assuming you already talked about what foods to avoid in order to lower it at all? Too low or too high are not good at all really but they have different effects from what I see.
Chewitt
Chewitt
Hi there,
High potassium levels usually come from having poor kidney function, as the kidneys regulate potassium levels in the body. If not working properly, they cannot filter out excess potassium. It may therefore be possible that your husband's kidney function is quite low. There are other causes related to blood loss, diabetes, dehydration. There can also be faults with the blood test, so it may be repeated to check.

Potassium levels of 7 or above are usually a medical emergency because there is a severe risk of cardiac events. Your husband's doctors will want to lower his levels quickly. In the meantime, avoid potassium rich foods. My potassium levels went up some time ago and I adjusted my diet (which it turned out was very potassium rich) and my levels have remained normal since.

These links give more information:
https://patient.info/doctor/hyperkalaemia-in-adults

https://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/potassium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/e/5308

Good luck and let us know how things go on Thursday.